A hacked website is more than an inconvenience—it can tank search-engine rankings, expose customer data, and grind sales to a halt. Because WordPress powers nearly half of the web, it’s naturally a prime target. The good news? With a few proactive measures, you can lock down your site and keep cyber-crooks at bay. Below is the same layered defense we implement for every Magna Technology client.
Keep Core, Theme and Plugin Files Up to Date
Out-of-date code is the #1 entry point for attackers. WordPress automatically updates minor core versions by default. For themes and plugins, we recommend enabling auto-updates for items you trust. We also suggest deleting any unused plugins or themes, as inactive code can still contain exploitable vulnerabilities.
Manual updates are preferred for most sites. Always backup your site first (files and database) before running any updates. To reduce the risk of plugin/theme conflicts after core updates, we recommend updating in this order: plugins, themes, and WordPress Core. If you use our website management services, you can expect monthly maintenance that applies major core, theme, and plugin updates.
Harden Logins with 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security method that requires users to verify their identity using two separate forms of authentication, such as a password or PIN and a smartphone, authentication app, or security token. This way, if your password is stolen, there’s an additional layer of protection. You can add 2FA with free plugins like Wordfence Login Security or miniOrange. We also recommend changing default usernames and limiting login attempts to stop automated guessing.
Install a Firewall and Malware Scanner
A web application firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it ever reaches WordPress. For maximum protection, you should have a WAF for your server and plugins. Cloudflare has a variety of self-serve plans (including a free one) for filtering, while Wordfence is ideal for real-time scanning, brute-force protection, and file-change alters. Daily malware scans and instant email/SMS notifications can also keep you one step ahead.
Enforce SSL Everywhere
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology that encrypts the connection between a user’s web browser and a website’s server. It ensures that any sensitive information that’s transferred (e.g., credit card info, passwords) remains private and secure. It’s so important, Google now flags sites without HTTPS. Install a valid SSL certificate (Let’s Encrypt is free), force HTTP redirects site-wide using your host or a plugin, and renew certificates automatically to avoid browser warnings.
Lock Down File and Database Access
Locking down file and database access is another critical step in securing your WordPress site from unauthorized users and malicious attacks. This means setting strict file permissions to prevent unauthorized edits, restricting access to sensitive files, and using server-level controls like firewalls. You should also disable file editing from the WordPress dashboard to reduce the risk of backdoor entry via the theme or plugin editors.
On the database side, use strong, unique credentials, limit user privileges, and consider renaming the default table prefix to something custom to prevent automated SQL injection attacks. These measures work together to close off common entry points and keep your site’s core data protected.
Schedule Automated Backups
Scheduling automated backups for your WordPress site is one of the most essential safety nets you can put in place. Regular backups ensure that if your site is hacked, crashes during an update, or experiences server failure, you can quickly restore it with minimal downtime or data loss. Using a reliable backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack, you can automate backups to run daily, weekly, or at custom intervals. These tools typically allow backups to be stored securely in off-site locations such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
To stay truly protected, make sure your backups include not just the database, but also your media files, plugins, themes, and configuration settings. With automated backups in place, you gain peace of mind knowing that your website can recover quickly from just about any disaster.
Need an Expert Security Partner?
Magna Technology’s hassle-free WordPress Maintenance Plans bundle everything above—updates, 24/7 firewalls, daily backups, and rapid malware cleanup—into one predictable monthly package. Sleep easier knowing your site (and your reputation) are protected by pros. Ready to lock things down? Get in touch with us today at (617) 249-0539 for a complimentary security audit.
